Weekend Notes 10.11

This weekend has been a bit a somber around our home. My husbands parents home in Malibu where they lived many years until their passing a few years back, was lost in the Woolsey Fire over the weekend. Although the home was sold several years back, the home held many special memories for us. Jon’s mom was in poor health when Cole was born, and we only got to have her be a part of Cole’s life for a short time. Almost all the memories we have of Cole and his grandma happened in that home. Cole doesn’t remember her, but we always show him pictures and share stories. We had always planned on taking him back to see the house one day, and it is sad to know that we will now never have that opportunity and that place where so many special memories were made is now forever gone. And Calamigos Ranch in Malibu where Jon and I were married was also sadly lost to the fire as well.

While I am sad these special places are gone, I can’t imagine the heartbreak of those losing their homes to this devastating fire. Lives have been lost, and people’s homes and possessions have been destroyed in an instant. I have so much admiration for the incredible first responders putting their life on the line and I’m hoping that no more lives will be lost. I’ve been looking for ways to help and I’ve found a list of organizations who are taking donations and contributions:

American Red Cross workers have set up temporary shelters and food sites across the state. Donate to the efforts by visiting redcross.org or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donors can even specifically request their monies go towards California relief efforts by writing the specific disaster name in the memo line of a check made out to the organization.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation supports the first responders fighting on the frontlines of the wildfires. They are currently requesting donations to put towards hydration backpacks for the firefighters.

Baby2Baby is working to get high-need items to children affected by the ongoing Camp, Hill, and Woolsey fires in California. Help them supply diapers, wipes, blankets, and other basic baby essentials to families in need by purchasing from their registry.

California Volunteers, a state office that manages volunteer programs in California, has created a list of services and donation options to help victims affected by the Camp, Woolsey, and Hill fires. Use this list to find information about making donations and volunteering.

Airbnb’s Open Home Program facilitates connecting those displaced by natural disaster with people who can open up their homes in the area. The accommodations are free. So far, over 700 homes have been opened to evacuees in Ventura County.

California Fire Foundation is a statewide nonprofit organization that is working to get fast funds to everyone effected through its SAVE program, where frontline firefighters are given prepaid Mastercards to distribute to victims who often didn’t have time to pack everything they needed before they were forced to evacuate. With it, they can get necessities like food, a change of clothes, or pay for somewhere to stay.